Did you know some ATM's abroad can charge as much as $5 for withdrawing your hard earned travel cash. Now factor in that often there is a low withdrawal limit too requiring multiple transactions. When you're on a budget, it really adds up. You can almost always find a fee-less ATM with a quick google. Davivienda was our go to in South America. check out Cuppatocopa's list of free ATM's here.

Apple kit is expensive isn't it. Weigh up if the peace of mind is worth it. We tied an Airtag to the inside of our backpacks and they're still going strong. It takes all anxiety away at the baggage claim and will be invaluable if your pack doesn't make it. Though if it's stolen don't expect the cops to smash any doors in to retrieve your back based on an apple location.

Do you want to accept this conversion? Click No - everytime. It has never been cheaper than your own banks conversion, which is what it will us when you decline the opportunity. One ATM in Colombia was charging me 8% for their services. 

If you can pack light then do it. Preferably taking a carry on bag only. We have saved so much time at airports walking straight through. Internal airlines can charge a fortune for checked baggage, sometimes doubling the price of your hard found bargain Skyscanner ticket. Its also less to hulk around on those sweaty walks looking for accommodation, or self transferring by foot to the Bus Station. Do you really need it? leave it at home.

Is it busy? Full of locals? Rowdy? Don't be put off or intimidated. We've never been made to feel unwelcome. If there's a language barrier then a mix of Google Translate (download the language so it works offline), pointing, and charades usually does the trick. If the street food vendor or local eatery is throwing out dishes faster than you can say 'empanadas' then it will be fresh, hot and probably tasty. Don't be put off by the smell of the drains or the paint peeling off the walls. You're going to get a stomach bug at some point, consider you'll more likely pick one up from the calm well presented quiet place where you can't see the kitchen and the food has sat around a while. Jump in, you'll miss out if you don't.

Has something piqued your interest? go for it, with all the necessary research and usual precautions of course. Travellers love to fear monger, and tell you all about the amazing place you missed and they didn't. In equal measure. You do you, Hike your own hike, make your own trip. You're only answerable to yourself. 

A lot of travel destinations charge for using your credit or debit card. In South America its between 3-5%. Always ask first and use cash if you can.

Always, always take out travel insurance and ensure it covers all of your activities. Then read the small print. A helicopter rescue on the PCT costs around $40,000, is it included? Where you hiking at an altitude that was within your Insurance limit? It can be relatively inexpensive too, our insurance for 12 months including a thu-hike of the PCT was less than £200 with Tesco Bank Gap Year Insurance.

We love a walking tour, it's our lazy way to explore a new destination, the customs, food and best places to hang out when we first arrive. Most are 'free' though they expect a tip. The tip is usually around $10, so not really free at all. Consider than your guide is an invaluable resource, hit them with as many questions as you can to make your trip easier and safer.

Write a journal, a blog, make some videos or whatever you can to ensure you can keep your memories. The trip comes first, the process shouldn't take up all of your time. We love reading back over our experiences and getting nostalgic for the road. It's amazing what you forget and how quickly.